Raia Sporting Club blanked CAC Cansaulim 2-0 to storm into the quarterfinals of the Wilred Leisure Football Tournament at the DYSA Ground, Curtorim, on Wednesday.
The match began at a measured pace, with both sides looking to settle into rhythm and gain control. Raia Sporting Club created the first real chance when Myron Pereira narrowly missed the target. CAC Cansaulim responded with a counter-attack as Aron Fernandes delivered a long ball to Jesus D’Sa, but his effort was comfortably gathered by the Raia goalkeeper.
Raia eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime, with Eldon Colaco finding the back of the net to give his side a 1-0 lead at the break.
After the restart, CAC Cansaulim stepped up their attacking intent in search of an equaliser but failed to convert their chances. Raia Sporting Club capitalised on this and extended their lead through Sweden Barbosa, sealing a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Eldon Colaco was named Man of the Match, with the award presented by footballer Movin Menezes.
In another fixture, Betalbatim Sporting Club edged past Dicarpali Sports Club 5-4 via tiebreaker to advance to the quarterfinals.
The match began with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. Dicarpali came close when Patson Gomes missed from inside the box, while Oliveira D’Souza’s powerful strike hit the side post and went out of play. Despite the attacking efforts, neither side could break the deadlock, and the teams went into halftime locked at 0-0.
Betalbatim looked sharper after the restart and took the lead in the 40th minute through Gladson Braganza. However, Dicarpali responded strongly, with Cidroy Colaco finding the equaliser in the 53rd minute to level the score at 1-1. The match remained evenly poised until the final whistle.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Betalbatim Sporting Club held their nerve to secure a 5-4 win.
Goalkeeper Joyrin Braganza was the standout performer, saving two penalties and earning the Man of the Match award, presented by former footballer Max Menezes.
